Guides & Resources — United States
Step-by-step guides to help you navigate international student life in United States.
Arriving in the US: Your First 30 Days Checklist
Everything you need to do in your first month — from immigration check-in to getting your life set up.
Understanding Your F-1 Visa Status
What F-1 status means, what you can and cannot do, and how to maintain it throughout your studies.
Getting a Social Security Number as an F-1 Student
Who qualifies, what documents you need, and what to do if you are not eligible for an SSN yet.
Health Insurance for F-1 Students
Your health insurance options as an international student, what is covered, and how to use your plan.
US Driver License for International Students
How to get a US driver license, state requirements, and using your foreign license after arriving.
Setting Up Your US Phone Plan
Best phone plans for international students — how to start with no SSN or credit history.
Opening a US Bank Account with No Credit History
Which banks accept F-1 students, what you need, and how to start building your US financial life.
Building US Credit Score as an International Student
How to establish a US credit history from scratch and the fastest ways to reach a good score.
Budgeting as an International Student
How to manage money on a student budget, where to save, and how to avoid common financial mistakes.
Sending Money Internationally: Best Options
Compare the best apps for sending money from the US to your home country cheaply and safely.
Scholarships and Financial Aid for International Students
What financial aid is available to F-1 students, where to find scholarships, and loan options.
OPT: Optional Practical Training Complete Guide
Everything about OPT — what it is, how to apply, the timeline, and what to do after your EAD arrives.
H-1B Visa: What Every F-1 Student Needs to Know
The H-1B lottery, timeline, and how to position yourself for the best chance of sponsorship.
CPT: Curricular Practical Training for Internships
How to use CPT for off-campus internships on your F-1 visa — eligibility, requirements, and key mistakes to avoid.
Your Rights as an International Student in the US
Your legal rights and protections as an F-1 student, and what to do if they are violated.
Filing US Taxes as an F-1 Student
Step-by-step instructions for filing your US tax return as an F-1 international student.
Understanding Your W-2 and 1042-S Forms
What these tax forms mean, where to get them, and how to enter them when filing.
State Taxes for International Students
Whether you need to file state taxes, how they differ by state, and which states have no income tax.
Tax Refunds for International Students
When you qualify for a refund, how to maximize it, and how quickly you will receive it.
Finding Off-Campus Housing as an International Student
How to find, evaluate, and secure off-campus housing — from searching to signing your lease.
Understanding Your US Lease Agreement
Key clauses in a US lease, your rights as a tenant, and how to protect your security deposit.
On-Campus Housing: What to Expect
Understanding dorms, residential life, meal plans, and how to make the most of living on campus.
Cost of Living Guide: Major US College Cities
Compare rent, food, transportation, and total monthly costs across major US college cities.